The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program has been proven to significantly boost children’s concentration levels, leading to improved educational outcomes and sustained learning motivation among students. Recent research conducted in Aceh and by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in areas like Bogor and Papua has shown a positive correlation between the MBG program and enhanced cognitive performance, especially in students who previously skipped breakfast. The program has also been found to increase attendance motivation and concentration in class, as demonstrated by a case study at State Vocational School 6 (SMK Negeri 6) in Medan.
Concentration, which is closely tied to attention and the brain’s cognitive functions, plays a crucial role in a child’s brain development during their formative years. Factors like learning motivation, nutritional intake, psychological well-being, and physiological conditions such as sleep quality, noise level, lighting, and temperature can all impact a child’s ability to concentrate. Key nutrients like protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development and cognitive function, particularly memory.
The MBG Program aims to address not only children’s physical growth and development but also their cognitive potential and intelligence by providing crucial nutrients. Despite challenges like unhealthy consumption habits among children and limited access to nutritious foods in certain regions, experts like Ikeu Tanziha from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) encourage collective support for the successful implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program. They believe that this initiative will bring long-lasting benefits for future generations and society as a whole.